Werewolf Descent (book 2 in the Last Witch Series)

By Elizabeth Kolodziej

Last witch in the world, Faith Scott, and her Irish vampire boyfriend Trent have just come back from fighting for their lives to recover the Vampiric Blood gem and Werewolf Moon gem. Thinking they could finally relax and work on the romance growing between them, they now meet a mysterious psychic vampire named Vincent who has his heart set on being with Faith.

Soon bizarre killings of Zou Tai’s werewolf pack begin, with rumors of an alchemist possessing the famed philosophers stone being the assailant; which, causes Faith to turn to Vincent for help in figuring out why the werewolves are being murdered.

It isn’t long before all those around them test Trent and Faith’s love, along with their abilities, once again. It is all Trent can do to keep Faith safe by his side while both go up against a deadly alchemist, deceptive gods, and having to rescue the werewolf prince; yet, after a deal with the God of Werewolves will Trent be able to save himself too?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Kolodziej
• Release date: Jun 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9780983449423

Elizabeth Kolodziej

ELIZABETH J KOLODZIEJ, A YOUNG FICTION WRITER ORIGINALLY FROM TORRANCE CALIFORNIA, IS A SMART AND ORIGINAL THINKER WHO HAS RESEARCHED THE ORIGINS OF VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, AND WITCHES FOR MANY YEARS. SHE WRITES HER BOOKS FROM THE KNOWLEDGE SHE HAS GAINED WHILE TRYING TO BE AS ORIGINAL AND INSPIRING AS POSSIBLE. HER BOOKS ENCOMPASS BOTH TRUE FOLKLORE FACTS ALONG WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS MOTIVATED BY THE GREAT WRITERS AROUND HER. THIS BOOK IS HER FIRST BUT NOT HER LAST IN A NEW SERIES ENTITLED VAMPYRE KISSES.

Book preview

Werewolf

Descent

Elizabeth J. Kolodziej

Copyright © 2011 By Elizabeth J. Kolodziej

All rights reserved—Elizabeth J. Kolodziej

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the permission, in writing, from the publisher.

Published by Third Broom on the Left Press

www.vampyrekisses.com

[e-mail]

This book/ebook is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events,

locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then kindly purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

ISBN: 9780983449409

Printed in the United States of America

Praise for Werewolf Descent:

Elizabeth has done it AGAIN! What an amazing read! Where she gets all these ideas, I have no clue but keep them coming!!! This story was alluring with all the mysterious twists and turn that I could not figure out.

- Jenny, OnceUponATwilight.com

Werewolf Descent was a fascinating and action-packed read. Elizabeth did a fantastic job mixing old myths and legends with her own imagination, creating something entirely her own.

- Moonlight, Vampires.com

Praise for Vampyre Kisses:

The storyline was full of action and excitement, clearly described, and I would be interested in reading more about Faith and Trent’s continuing journey.

– Mary, BittenByBooks.com

Kolodziej created a mystical tale full of magic and mystery. It’s a fascinating world, completely unique compared to the cookie cutout worlds most vampire authors use.

– Moonlight, Vampires.com

Through creatively crafted characters and highly imaginative plotlines, author Elizabeth Kolodziej relates an intriguing tale of mystery and magic sure to hold the reader at rapt attention until the very end.

– Linda Waterson, Apex Reviews

Other books by Elizabeth J Kolodziej:

I Believe in Werewolves:

An Anthology of Wolfen Terror

The Sexiest Time of the Year:

Erotic Encounters of the Yule Season

The Last Witch Series:

Vampyre Kisses (book 1)

Werewolf Descent (book 2)

Witch Devotions (book 3)

I dedicate this book to my dad.

He loved me with all his heart and mine him. He was a great supporter of my writing. He would always brag about me to family and friends because he was so proud of me. I always loved making him proud of me and it broke my heart whenever I disappointed him in any way. I don’t think I would have found my passion in life to be an author without his support, comfort, advice, and love. He was the ying to my mom’s yang and with the two of them I have made it this far. I think everyday about how proud he must be that even though he passed three months before this book I still went ahead and published it. That even though he is gone I am pushing forward with becoming an author, that I am working on my own publishing house, getting my MBA all of these adventures in my life make me realize that I truly am my father’s daughter. He may be gone but his essence will still venture through me. Though he is gone I will not disappoint him by falling and not getting back on my feet. I am strong like him and because of that, his memory will live on.

RIP

David Anton Kolodziej

May 4th 1950 - March 22nd 2011

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather

May his spirit always protect me and his words of wisdom forever whisper in my ear. – EJK

1

The Commencement

Water trickled down Circe’s red abundant locks, hitting the floor with a sound like two marbles when they knock together. The room was silent; for once there was no laughter coming from giggling girls attending to Aphrodite’s needs. Circe was in a room overwhelmed with pink roses and red orchids, purple satin sheets hanging from the ceiling, and a heart-shaped bubble bath filled with rose petals waiting for their mistress’s return.

The robe hanging on Circe’s body clung against her small figure. She stood with both hands grasping the edge of the small two-tier fountain in the corner of the room. The water was a sensual green that smelled of dandelions and lavender. She wet her lips with her tongue, her purple eyes a deeper shade than usual. She slowly, yet casually, lifted her right hand and pointed out her little finger. She let it lightly touch the water before her, making swirls on the water.

The sound of water dripping became louder in the large room held up by pillars, with a gold pattern encircling the top and bottom. The steps from the fountain led back to the door she’d come in from, but that was not the plan. Circe had to look into the water and see her exquisite Faith with her true love, Trent. Looking through this fountain was different from looking through her own due to Aphrodite being the goddess of love. The bond of love that Faith and Trent had could only be shown through this fountain.

She wanted to know if it was strong enough to last the years they would spend together. As she stared down at Faith, her young witch, Circe’s ear twitched and her focus was broken. Her head jerked up and she glare at the ever-so-clean white wall before her. Knowing Aphrodite was behind her, she did not want to move. Her body stiffened at the thought of being caught, enraging a daughter of Zeus, someone so close to him.

Circe could not fathom why Aphrodite had not yet spoken. She is behind me, is she not? I can feel her energy pressing me as I stand here.

Behind her, Aphrodite stared at the goddess of witches, curiosity plaguing her mind. She didn’t know what type of emotion she should feel. Looking into another god’s fountain without their permission and supervision was not allowed. Nor could she fathom why Circe would be interested in her fountain at all.

What exactly is she trying to find out? Aphrodite thought.

Are you going to turn around and face me? Or do you think by not seeing me I will not see you? A smirk touched Aphrodite’s face.

Circe willed her body to move, and ever so gradually she made herself face the goddess of love. Purple eyes met those of pinkish hue. With long manicured fingers, Aphrodite tousled her thick, long blond hair and began to walk toward her bed only several feet from the fountain.

The king-size bed hung in the air, but it did not have wires attached to keep it there. Luxuriant, soft pillows were adorned with pale gold squares, and lavender sheets lay on the mattress. A fluffy, down-filled blanket lay perfectly over the mattress. Aphrodite grabbed her satin cherry skirt and pulled it out as she sat down. A corset made with the finest fairy silk and whalebone clung to her chest, accentuating her ample breasts.

Come and sit by me, the goddess commanded of Circe. Aphrodite was the elder of the two and therefore had the authority to make Circe do, as she wanted, up to a point.

Circe moved forward carefully, unsure of what Aphrodite would do to her. She made her way up the steps and, to show respect to the elder goddess, sat by her feet.

Aphrodite’s lightly colored eyebrows were completely relaxed, showing no lines at all. Her perfectly symmetrical oval face lowered to meet Circe’s eyes. Now then, what exactly are you doing? Her voice was whimsical and bright—not a hint of condescension could be heard.

With a look of admiration for the ever understanding Aphrodite, Circe began to explain. I needed to look through your fountain to see Trent and Faith.

Is yours broken? a quick breath of air left her lips, the laughter showing behind her bright eyes.

Circe lowered her head. No, she replied, tight-lipped.

Then why would you need to use mine?

I needed to see the bond of love between the two of them. She lifted her head up, purple eyes pleading for understanding.

Aphrodite placed a soft hand on Circe ’s head and began to play with a lock of damp hair. Why did you not ask me?

Circe searched her mind for an answer but could not find a lie that would do. The truth was best when speaking to the goddess of love, who normally understood unless rubbed the wrong way. I needed to see how difficult it would be to break the two of them apart. Her voice became slightly bitter as she explained her reasoning.

Aphrodite’s fingers stopped playing with the strand. She pulled her hand away; nails dug into her palms as she made fists. Her mouth tight and narrow, she asked, Why would you want to do that?

Circe saw the other side of Aphrodite beginning to come out, the side filled with fury when a pair of her lovers was threatened by an outside source. Circe quickly got to her feet, all love and admiration for Aphrodite fleeing her body, being replaced with anger and frustration.

You do not understand what staying with Trent will do to Faith! Circe raised her voice as her feet stood steady on the top step; she hovered over the other goddess.

Meeting Circe’s eyes, Aphrodite flew to her feet. What in the world are you talking about? Did you not see the bond between them? The love that they have is stronger than even Cupid and Psyche! Aphrodite crossed her arms over her chest.

Circe harrumphed and turned to walk down the stairs. Aphrodite was right on her flank. When Circe turned it took Aphrodite by surprise, almost causing the two to ram into each other.

Trent cannot give Faith what the mortal world needs! Her fiery eyebrows scrunched down and wrinkles lined her forehead.

Slowly, the goddess of love backed up a few steps, a look of disbelief and irritation on her face. You want to break apart a love like theirs for your own selfish gain? It was only half a question; the other half was fact.

It is not for selfish gain. Her voice began to lower, she couldn’t stand looking into her eyes, the tiled floor became a good distraction.

A look of understanding washed over Aphrodite’s face, causing her anger to subside for the moment. "You are the goddess of witches, without witches in the world there is no purpose for you. You waited a long time for Faith—patiently. Her voice changed and became sterner as she continued, But wanting to cause a rift between the two so there can be more witches in the world is just absurd and selfish."

It is not! Circe’s maroon robe swung with her body as she stood up straight, narrowing her eyes at Aphrodite’s. An aura of deep purple started to form around Circe’s body, as her emotions grew stronger.

Yes it is! As her own aura turned a deep red, Aphrodite met Circe’s anger with her own.

Circe turned and started to pace the large room; the sound of her feet slapping against the tile was loud in the hush between the two goddesses. Circe stopped for a moment, holding up her palms. You must understand what pain this will cause Faith for the rest of her life.

Curiosity overcame Aphrodite. What are you talking about?

A sigh fell over Circe. A witch is filled with the urge to procreate. Witches, despite what many may think, are natural-born parents, whether male or female. Every witch that has ever lived has wanted to have children. Faith will go mad if she cannot let her witch line be passed down to a child of her own.

That is ridiculous. Aphrodite waved her hand and then folded her arms while cocking a hip to the side.

It is not ridiculous! It is true. You can ask Hecate. Hecate was older than Aphrodite and a well-respected goddess full of knowledge.

Aphrodite pondered this for a moment before responding. Faith has shown no signs of pain thus far. It should be left up to her.

This conclusion was not what Circe wanted to hear. That will not work, because she loves Trent so much, she will withstand the pain just to be with him.

Then let that be her will!

I will not let her do that!

Aphrodite glared deeply into Circe’s eyes. There is nothing you can do about it. A look of triumph replaced the anger on her perfect face.

Circe grinned and squinted her eyes at the goddess of love. That is what you think. The words calm but malicious.

Aphrodite was surprised. What do you mean by that?

Circe began to walk with a swing in her hips. "You will just have to wait and see. We will find out how strong the love between the two of them really is."

Do not dare test me, Circe!

Testing a goddess like Aphrodite was never a smart thing to do—especially when her father was king of the gods.

"Faith is my witch. I am allowed to help her and guide her in the right direction if I so chose."

We are not supposed to meddle with mortal or supernatural beings like this. Your scheme cannot take place without interfering with the fates. They will not like this at all. Circe saw the look of rage absorb Aphrodite’s body, the muscles in her neck taut.

She let out a light chuckle and began to walk towards the door. If their love is as strong as you claim it to be, then why would you bother mentioning this little discussion to anyone? Did you not compare their devotion for each other to your own son Cupid and his love Psyche?

Yes, but they did not have a wicked witch from the heavens hailing down on them. The comment struck Circe, making her stop before pulling the door open.

She stared at the handle on the door. I care for my kind. I will do what it takes to make sure Faith is happy.

And to make sure Faith has a child.

Yes.

2

Faith

Ashiver ran down my spine as I looked at the picture I held so tightly in my hand. The black wooden frame felt heavy as I put it into the big brown box labeled pictures.

Do you ever get the feeling you’re being watched? I kept my eyes on the mantel, taking another picture down to store away.

Trent put a box down next to me; he had brought it downstairs for me, an easy task for someone with extraordinary strength. All the time. Trent came to stand next to me, and I turned to face him. He put out his hand for me to take and said, Hi. My name is Trent. I am a vampire.

I laughed and hit him on the shoulder. Shut up, I retorted as I shook my head and rolled my eyes. I brought my attention back to the mantel and went on my tippy toes to reach another picture.

Smug-looking guy. Trent hung his head over my shoulder, his breath hitting the side of my cheek.

I squinted and tilted my head slightly. I know this guy. I stared at the picture longer, my mind searching for the memory. He was at the funeral!

Trent lifted his head up and gave a low growl.

He gave me one of the worst looks of them all. I tossed the picture into the box, not caring if the glass broke.

I heard the huffing and puffing of Mac from behind me and turned to find him carrying a box. Are we back to the… He took a deep breath and let it out. Evil slayers that hated you at your mother’s funeral?

Trent walked toward the couch to be out of the range of fire. I cocked my hip and folded my arms over my chest. I was in mourning. They shouldn’t have been so mean!

Both Trent and Mac gave each other a quick look and started laughing.

Between bursts of laughter Mac began to say, Faith, sweetie, you did… He let the end of the sentence trail off.

I let my head fall and stared at the wooden floor under my bare feet. Yeah. I know, I know. I killed her. My memories flooded back to Ireland. It was only a month ago that I was there. My mother had turned into a hybrid of a vampire and werewolf, wanting to kill me because I was a witch. The old Master vampire and a werewolf nobleman at her side hoped to kill me, Trent, Zou Tai, Morgan, Mac, Collin, and all the rest of my friends. It was all because of Akilah’s training that I was able to unlock my witch abilities and defeat my mother. But it was Circe who told me about my locket being the key to defeating them.

Faith. Trent walked over to me and wrapped his cold arms around my warm body, drawing my head to his chest. He knew there was nothing he could say. At least this time I wouldn’t burst into tears.

Across the room, Mac broke the silence. I look hot in thigh-highs and eyeliner. Pumps would blow minds! Don’t you think? I snapped my head up to stare at Mac. He was wearing one of my mother’s favorite pairs of high heels, the black pumps from France.

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter; Trent was right there with me, though. The smile on Trent’s face made his eyes glitter; I loved that look on his face the most.

Only if you pair it with the red scarf. I pointed down and he followed my finger to find a red silk scarf on top of the other elegant clothing in the box.

His eyes became wide with excitement as he carefully drew the scarf out of the box, wrapping it around his neck. Well, of course, darling. He let the words roll out like Bette Davies and flung himself onto the ivory damask. He lay on his side and waved his hands in the air as he commanded, I want the car to be ready at eight. I have a very important meeting in the morning with the director.

At his place? I grinned.

Well of course, Trent threw in.

Mac looked disturbed. How dare you! He pointed at Trent. What type of woman do you think I am? He pulled the scarf up to cover part of his face and withdrew himself. They have to pay for dinner first.

Both Trent and I burst into laughter again. At moments like this, I was always glad that Mac was in my life. He always knew how to break the tension with a little levity.

I let in a deep breath to calm myself. Okay, fellas. Let’s get back to work.

Yes, Master, Mac let out with a slur. He tried to get up but forgot about the heels and began to fall to the floor. Before I could flinch, Trent made his way to Mac’s side and was holding him up with one arm under his stomach. Mac’s face went from surprise to relief as he found himself back on his feet. I think I’ll take these things off first.

I stared at the pumps, realizing he’d fallen because the heels didn’t fit him at all. My mother did have tiny feet. I looked around the den at how little was left to pack up. For some reason, my mother had left me about everything in her will. I guessed she didn’t have a chance to change it before the battle in Ireland, or maybe she’d thought she would still be alive.

I had forgotten how big her house was. She’d moved a few times in the years following my father’s death. I never understood why. She finally ended up in an old colonial that had just been redone in an old Japanese motif. She changed her style so many times, though; this was just the one that ended up being the last.

I gazed over to the room divider in the corner. It had beautiful fabric panels featuring a gorgeous cherry-blossom tree pattern. I walked over closer and found that it had solid wood frames in white. The cold wood felt sleek against my fingers. I think I’ll take this to my new place.

I figured you were taking everything to your new place.

I didn’t bother to turn around at Mac’s question. "No. I’ll need to sell some of the furniture and what not to pay off my new place. I didn’t get left all of my mother’s money."

Trent cleared his voice. "The rest went to charities. He made bunny ear signs with both hands when saying the word charities."

She left money to the slayer…organization? I turned to see the disgusted look on Mac’s face.

Yep. I made my way over to the damask and lay down. My back began to relax and I lengthened my arms and legs. The feeling of my body being stretched out felt good. She just loved her little friends.

Soon Trent was hovering over me; his green eyes stared into mine. But she still left you a lot.

My eyebrows scrunched down. I still can’t figure that one out.

Maybe she felt guilty? Mac began to chug down a bottle of water as he leaned against the wooden panel to the entranceway of the den.

I continued to stare at Trent. I knew that look on his face. She wanted to kill me but felt guilty? It doesn’t make much sense. I smirked at the twinkle in his eyes and then it came. In a moment his lips were on mine. I felt Trent’s hand brush the side of my cheek.

Oh yuck! I heard Mac say, followed by the sound of him running upstairs.

I smiled under the barrage of kisses Trent was giving me. Knowing Mac wasn’t in the room, I wrapped my arms around his hips and pulled him on top of me.

He made a low growl of approval and worked his lips down to my neck. He knew how much I loved to be kissed on my neck; I giggled as he did.

Trent, I let out. We need to work. I didn’t want him to stop.

He brought his head up and smiled wickedly at me. A little break time is always needed, he retorted, his Irish lilt thicker.

Well… I thought for a moment while licking my lips. "That is true."

Except now is not really a good time for a break. I knew that voice.

Trent got to his feet, and I brought myself up to find Morgan in the entranceway.

I looked at Trent, who was already staring at me. How come you didn’t hear her? Trent should have heard or at least sensed her presence.

Trent looked bewildered. I do not really understand it myself.

Morgan sauntered into the room wearing a pair of leather pants, a silky long-sleeve red top, and flat boots. She looked a lot more dazzling than the last time I saw her, which was only a couple days ago.

Oh! Trent let out a knowing sound. The Master vampire ritual was last night.

I couldn’t help but continue to gaze at Morgan in amazement. You look so different.

She came closer to me, a little too quickly for my liking. The Blood Gem tends to do that to a vampire.

I heard it is like being a fledgling again, Trent explained. One tends to see everything very differently all over again.

I found it odd to find Trent walking further away from the two of us. It wasn’t fear that was washed over his face, but a cautious look. I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t stand next to me.

Morgan tilted her head down, but I could still see the smile that hung from ear to ear on her face. You do not need to be so guarded, Trent. I’m not going to do anything to you.

My body became stiff. Why would you do anything to him?

Morgan looked up at me with blood-filled pupils. It looked strange on her. I hoped that wasn’t permanent.

Because I am possessive of you, and Trent’s scent is all over you.

Trent took a step forward. When Kali underwent the ritual, she came to my place after I had fed. My scent was all over the girl I had chosen to feed upon for the night. Kali viewed that girl as a threat. Though Trent was looking at us, I could tell by his gaze that he was in another place.

Morgan? I said.

She turned her attention to me and I wrapped both arms around her, embracing her in a hug. I breathed in deeply to take in her new scent. It was a mix between the smell of fresh blood and baby powder one smells on a newborn. Almost like a sweet coppery smell mixed with wildflowers. Then I wiggled around a little to rub our bodies together before letting her go. With a huge grin on my face I said, There! Now I smell like you.

Morgan and Trent chuckled. Happy that I’d broken the tension, I made my way over to Trent and pulled at his silky black shirt to bring him closer to Morgan. Everything is fine now.

It had been less than a few months that I had known Morgan, but in that short time we’d become very close. The first time I met her was in a park, when she told me that she had been a mistress to my father. Somehow my father had fallen in love with one of the oldest vampires around. However, because he wanted the witch line to continue, he had me with my mother that I’d recently killed. These are the days of my life.

Can I get a little help over here? I’d almost forgotten about Mac being upstairs. I got a chair the size of a horse that needs to go down.

Making my way over to the staircase, I found a huge, feather down easy chair at the top. Oh wow. I looked to find Trent and Morgan at my flank.

I will handle it, Morgan offered first and made her way up the stairs.

I watched as she took the chair by one end and brought it over her head. She easily made her way down the stairs as if she were carrying a piece of paper. She placed the beige chair against a wall and wiped away a fake bead of sweat. Tough job, she joked.

So Morgan. I fixed my black tank top, pulling it over the top of my jeans. Why exactly can’t we take a break right now?

Come and join me in the den, everyone. Morgan swiftly walked past all of us, her hips swaying seductively back and forth as she made her way into the den.

Morgan stood by the fireplace while Trent and I sat down on the love seat. Mac made his way to an empty bookshelf and casually leaned against it as he folded his arms across his chest.

I get the feeling that this isn’t good news, Mac nonchalantly said while looking at me.

Mac had been through a lot with me in the past few months. He still hadn’t Mastered his skills at being my guardian, but I wasn’t sure there was a way to teach someone how to do the job. After getting back from Ireland with the blood and Moon Gem, we tried looking through tons of books, but nothing explained what it was exactly a guardian must do. The only thing that had really changed was his instinct for knowing when I was in trouble, which, apparently was now.

I stared at her, curious. What’s up, Morgan?

Morgan took her eyes from mine and looked at Mac. That is going to be annoying. She gave a half-cocked smile and turned her attention back to me.

Even the way Morgan walked was different and the way she looked at everything anew was intriguing. I continued to stare back with wonder, my energy growing intense with impatience. It was just too soon for anything major to happen. I had just begun to get over the fact that I’d had to kill my mother since she had decided that killing me was in her best interest.

I couldn’t take it anymore. Go ahead and spit it out.

Well… She slowly swallowed. Kane came to me and informed me of a new vampire coming to town.

Both Trent and I exchanged looks. My left eye twitched from nervousness as I tried to imagine just what it was we were going to be in for.

Is there something special about this vampire? Trent finally asked, knowing there had to be a reason for Morgan to think it was a serious matter.

She twiddled her thumbs as if she didn’t want to explain anything. "This vampire is not a blood vampire."

I heard a growl come from Trent, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Morgan. What do you mean the vampire is not a blood vampire? I didn’t think there were any vampires other than those that live by the substance of blood.

Morgan pushed herself up from the brick and